The Countdown

As February fast approaches so too does a milestone for our small family: Miki will be 1 year old on Feb. 12th. Nana & Grampa Cote are flying out for a week-long visit next week. In the meantime I figured I should share some photos of Miki at 11 months. As you can see, she has become a voracious reader, thanks to everyone who gave her a book this past Christmas.

Taipei Night Market

A good friend (& her husband) took us to one of many night markets for steaming food, throngs of the young folk & good chatter.

"Ita daki masu!"

Ericka & I have got a genuine passion for great food & drink. Because she couldn't join me on this trip to Taiwan, these photos were snapped, savoured & devoured in her honour... The dishes you see here are a combination of typical mainland China fare & some genuine Taiwanese cooking.

"Xie xie"

Spent a whirlwind business trip to Taipei about a week ago. Many "xie xie's" to my wonderful hosts & friends at Daojiang Senior High School. Yu-ling, those were 2 of the most memorable 'tea sessions' I've ever had - The Landis & The Grand Hotel. Lovely food, warm temperatures, brilliant night market & getting rather lost looking for (yes another one!) cafe up in the surprisingly lush hills & sadistically snaking roads of the foothills just east of the city. My only regret is that I did not have enough time to travel south of Taipei & sample - what I've heard - is some of the most alluring island-beach environment in Asia.

Christmas Chariot!

With the help of Nana & Grampa Cote (and Santa, of course) Miki received a new stroller. This thing is awesome! Papa wishes they made an adult version so someone could push him thru the local parks... Miki loves it and it's a great excuse to get out in all sorts of weather. Papa is looking forward to the arrival of spring so he can attach the "bike kit" to the front and pull Miki along with him on the mountain bike trails. Don't worry folks, we'll make sure Miki's noggin' is encased in a helmet first.